Some road restrictions necessary as Emerald floodwaters recede

As floodwaters around Emerald begin to recede, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt has reminded motorists that some roads will stay temporarily closed.

“Restoring safe access to all vehicles as soon as possible is Main Roads’ highest priority,” Mr Pitt said.

“But until roads and bridges can be properly assessed, and urgent repairs made, some routes and bridges cannot be re-opened.”

Mr Pitt said the Vince Lester bridge would remain closed to all motorists, with the exception of light emergency vehicles, until safety checks could be made.

“The bridge has been subject to enormous strain from the floodwaters, and it is essential for it to be checked for structural damage before it can be opened.

"Until Main Roads engineers can physically gain access to carry out the necessary inspections, the bridge will remain closed to all other vehicles and pedestrians.

"Once an under-bridge inspection has been carried out and the structure has been deemed safe, the bridge will be re-opened to light vehicles and pedestrians with one way traffic control in place.

“Main Roads is working for this to happen as soon as possible.”

Heavy vehicle access will be assessed once further inspections are carried out as the water level drops.

Mr Pitt said while roads would gradually re-open, some routes would remain restricted to heavy vehicles.

“Heavy vehicles could cause further damage to water-saturated roads, creating hazards for other motorists.

“Some routes will progressively open to vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of five tonnes or less,” Mr Pitt said.

Load limits will be eased as the saturated roads dry. Special permits are currently being put in place to allow transport of emergency supplies.

Heavy vehicle operators should visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au for general information on load restrictions.

Until further advised, all excess mass and dimension vehicles are restricted from state-controlled roads around Emerald.

Mr Pitt said local Main Roads workers were ready to begin repairing roads as soon as possible.

“Work crews and inspectors are currently repairing roads where access can be gained.”

Mr Pitt praised local drivers, who have largely been avoiding flood-affected roads.

“Again, I remind all motorists that driving through floodwaters is dangerous, and to take care as roads begin to re-open.”

Motorists should visit www.racq.com.au to check the status on available routes, or www.mainroads.qld.gov.au to find the latest information on the flooding.

Main Roads will continue to provide update reports to motorists and heavy vehicle operators.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819